Outreach Ministries

St. James’ Outreach Ministries flow out of our common worship life together. As a parish community, we are committed to the pursuit of justice and peace for the sake of our community and the larger city of Baton Rouge. To that end, St. James is also pleased to partner with local organizations to support individuals experiencing various needs. The Outreach Committee consists of a chair, At-Large, and Ex Officio members, as well as representatives from the Vestry and Associate Vestry.

 

Community Connections Sunday 
Last Sunday of the Month | 8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m. | Bishops Hall
The St. James Outreach Committee facilitates Community Connections Sunday monthly for our downtown neighbors in need. Guests are invited for a time of fellowship, a warm meal, and pantry staples provided by the Greater BR Food Bank. Other support services, such as EBR Library, basic health screenings, vaccine access, and barbers, are available on as rotating basis. Volunteers can expect to assist in welcoming and serving guests; sign-ups will be distributed in advance. Contact: Larry Mitchum
The following are Community Connections Sunday events for the fall:

  • August 30
  • September 27
  • October 25
  • November 29
  • December 13* (Christmas Feast, details below

 

St. James Christmas Feast
Sunday, December 13 | 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. | Bishops Hall
The Annual St. James Christmas Feast takes place each year in December and serves up a delicious holiday meal to guests. Basic health and cold-weather items are usually distributed, as well. Akin to Community Connections Sunday, the St. James Food Pantry and other support organizations are on hand. The Feast takes place in Bishops Hall, and volunteers assist in greeting and dining with guests, serving food and drinks, and distributing groceries. Contact: Anya Hudnall

 

We Care Bags
Through the We Care bag program, and in partnership with the EBR Library System, St. James provides over 5,000 bags each year to food-insecure children throughout Baton Rouge. Volunteers are invited to join this ministry by picking up food supplies, packing bags, and delivering bags to the Main Library. Contact: Anya Hudnall

 

St. James Serves 
In addition to the above regular ministries, St. James’ Outreach Committee is pleased to continue regular single-day service opportunities over the course of the 2026-27 program year. The Outreach Committee has flagged October 31, 2026 as a fall day of service at the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank. Details for an MLK Day of Service on January 18, 2027 will also be forthcoming. 

 

Seasons of Giving
On three occasions throughout the year, St. James partners with local organizations to meet the needs of special projects and ongoing programs. There is a collection drive during the Lenten season, a summer collection in July/August, and the November collection focuses on our long-standing Angel Tree program, providing holiday gifts for individuals and families. 

 

Seasons of Giving: St. James Food Pantry
During the Lenten season, you are invited to participate in Outreach’s Season of Giving in support of the St. James Food Pantry. A majority of the food that is provided to our food insecure neighbors is donated to us by the Baton Rouge Food Bank. However, the amount the St. James Food Pantry receives has recently decreased, leading the Outreach Committee to fill the gap. One of the greatest needs is for canned goods and protein, especially with an “easy open” lid (not requiring a can opener).

Your donations will benefit our community throughout the year as we work to ensure that the bags we provide on Community Connections Sundays are full of healthy, filling, and nutritious foods. For convenience, we’ve provided a link to an Amazon Wish List, but you are welcome to bring in donations from any store. Donations can be shipped directly to the church through the link or donation bins are available in the Foyer and narthex.
Ways to participate:
  • Purchase items from the printable list and drop them off at the church.
  • Purchase an item or two from the Amazon wish list which will be sent directly to St. James

 

Community Partnerships
St. James Outreach is pleased to partner with area organizations working to acknowledge and celebrate the God-given dignity of every human being. Partnerships are realized through semi-regular financial assistance, the publication of community events, and stand-along workdays. St. James has recently partnered with the East Baton Rouge Library, The Jewel J Newman Community Center, The Walls Project, and the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank.

2026-2027 Ministries Directory